Got your wedding lengha in India? What’s next?

When you are an Indian bride getting married in the United States, it feels natural to make a trip to India to purchase all of your wedding outfits (though there are some great options here in the States too!). You’ve most likely spent two weeks (or less!) visiting every possible shop during your trip to India, or if a family member went on your behalf, you joined them via WhatsApp and Skype all night for two weeks scrolling through numerous pictures to select what you like.

After you have all of your ensembles together, there’s still months to go until the wedding. What do you do next?

1. Storage

If your outfit came packed with tissue to protect all of the beading and stones, try to keep it intact as much as possible. It’s okay to try it on occasionally, but be sure to wrap it back up in tissue so that there’s no damage done. If you received your outfit in a plastic bag, be sure to hang it up and place it in a garment bag that is fully enclosed. The last thing you want is for anything to get into the bag and harm your clothing. The outfits should be hung in a dry area where the outfit can freely hang without any obstructions. If you are hanging several garments on the same rack, be sure to space them out.

2. Alterations and Finishing

Chances are, after you purchase your wedding lengha, your body may change for the big day. When you are working on weight loss or body toning you want to ensure that your outfit fits perfectly, and therefore – may require some alterations. Bridal lenghas tend to be very heavy with beading and embroidery so it is vital to select a seamstress who is well experienced with this type of work. A seamstress who has never worked with such an intricate piece of clothing may not know how to correctly cut and stitch the fabric – causing irreversible damage to your outfit. On the east coast, visiting Edison, NJ would be well worth the investment to find a seamstress who is well versed in altering wedding lenghas. Brides in the Chicago area can visit Devon, brides in California, Artesia, and so on. When  you go for your fitting, be sure to take the undergarments and shoes you plan to wear for your wedding with you. You should begin the alterations process approximately 4-6 weeks before the wedding. Always inquire with the seamstress on her schedule prior to leaving your outfit with her. Remember, if you will be traveling, you’ll want to pick up at least a couple of days before your departure.

Over time, the beading and stones on an Indian outfit can come loose and easily fall off without you even noticing. In most cases, the shop you purchased your outfit from in India will do what is called “finishing” to your outfit. This means that they go through the outfit and look at every single stone, thread, and border for any problems. If they do detect something that needs repair, they fix it before passing the outfit along to you. Again, since you have your lengha months before the wedding, it’s advisable to have your seamstress take a second look to ensure everything is in place for the big day.

3. Final Fitting

When you pick up your dress from your seamstress, be sure to try it on and make sure it fits you like a glove. Most establishments will offer to steam and press the outfit for you so that it is all set and you don’t have to worry about doing it later. Request to try on the outfit one final time before it is pressed. You don’t want any suprises on your wedding day! Even if you do not end up needing any alterations, it is best to take your lengha (or even sari) to a skilled seamstress or dry cleaners to be professionally steamed and hung.

4. Transportation

If you are transporting your outfit in a vehicle, it is best to lay it flat in the trunk so that it does not get wrinkled. If that is not an option, be sure to hang it from the vehicle’s hanger rack and let it flow down as naturally as possibly without anything getting in its way. If you will be traveling by air, pack your lengha into your carry on. Do not pack it into a checked bag! Many seamstresses will pack the outfit into your carry on for you very carefully if you bring  your suitcase with you when you pick up.

Images courtesy of Dana Ann Photography